The last eight teams that will battle for the four semi-finals ticket at the ongoing Women’s World Cup have emerged.
Spain thrashed Switzerland 5-1 to set up a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands, who defeated the Bayana Bayana of South Africa 2-0. The match is the first quarter-final, which will hold at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Friday.
Netherlands finished second at last World Cup and will want to go all the way this time.
Both sides met once in an international friendly on April 9, 2021, and Spain defeated the Netherlands by a lone goal. Will Spain confirm their superiority over the Orange Ladies with another win or will the Netherlands take their pound of flesh?
Japan kept their hopes of winning their second world title alive by defeating 1995 champions, Norway 3-1 to set up a last-eight clash with the defending champions conquerors, Sweden at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday. After a goalless full and extra time, Sweden defeated the United States of America 5-4 on penalties.
The Asians are playing very well at the moment and bookmakers are tipping them to progress at the expense of Sweden. However, history shows that the Europeans have a way of outsmarting the Asians. Out of five previous meetings, Sweden has won three times while Japan has only won once.
Co-host, Australia stepped up their game when it matters most to eliminate Denmark 2-0 and will take on France in the quarter-finals at the Brisbane Stadium on Saturday. France was too strong for the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, whom they thrashed 4-0 in the round of 16.
Can the Matildas co-host and win?
Both teams met once in an international friendly a few days before the commencement of the World Cup and Mary Fowler scored the lone goal that gave the home side the victory. The Europeans have a golden opportunity to repay the host when it will hurt them more.
After wobbling and crawling to eliminate the Super Falcons 4-2 on penalties after a goalless full and extra time, England will confront Colombia who eliminated the Reggae Girlz of Jamaica 1-0 in a keenly contested round of 16 encounter. This last quarter-final clash will take place at the Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
Linda Caicedo, Colombia’s one woman-squad riot
England and Colombia met at the group stage of the 2015 World Cup in Montreal Canada. The English ladies won by 2-1. Karen Carney and Fara Williams scored two first-half goals for the Europeans while Lady Andrade scored a consolatory goal for Colombia in extra time.
Colombia is basking in the euphoria of reaching their first quarter-finals and if England re-enacts their shambolic performance against Nigeria they might not be fortunate twice as the South Americans will show them the way out.
